THE NEW ALBUM is another breath of fresh air. 'Avalon Road' contains twelve original compositions from three very individual writers who have managed to imbue their own songs with the same spirit and lightness of touch that drew such lavish praise on 'Songs of the Desert'. Like the first album this was also recorded 'Live' in the studio and exhibits a wide range of styles - there are elements of Folk, Pop, Blues, Rock, Country and even Hillbilly swinging around in there. These are strong songs played by excellent musicians who are showing an adaptability that should suit today's musical climate. Although this CD more than does justice to their writing and musicianship, it is in live performance that the boys excel - get to see them if you can.

Bob Parker - Manchester Review


The Avalon Boys first came to my attention last year when I heard them on Radio 2, I was immediately drawn in by their close harmonies, song construction, and the moods created by their acoustic effervescence. I was surprised then, a few weeks later, to receive a copy of their latest album to add to the already large pile of CD's marked for critical analysis. The album was way down the list and had to wait for its moment. We all make mistakes sometimes! I was delighted by each of the twelve tracks on Avalon Road and wish I had not waited all those months, for those who already own a copy of Avalon Road, I suggest you buy another for spare, and for those of you who like to smile, laugh, cry, and generally feel relaxed, I suggest you stop reading this and order a copy straight away!

Being a purely acoustic album of varying song styles it is easy to see this is where the boys excel, there's blues mixed in with folk, pop mingling with rock and prophetic laments which nestle unnervingly well between comic masterpieces. The band is blessed with three outstanding songwriters each contributing songs with very different interpretations on life, love, and loss, and their soberly honest and often bizarre lyrics sweep with calm aggression over melodious guitars and sublime harmonica. The band consists of Richard Barry (Guitar), David Blunt (Guitar, Keyboards) and the finest harmonica player I have ever heard, Pat Clarke. They all sing, and with voices that range from granital roughness to fragile ethereality there is something for us all to enjoy.

On a cold, damp and miserable day I was glad to be taken back to a point in time where music was more important than the package it came in, and where songs were a treat to be cherished. In this mechanically manufactured industry that I work in, it made me realise why I am still doing it. Their new album will be out soon and this time it will definitely jump the queue!

Adam McKinley (Music Press '03)